 You're listening enjoyment John Lund as Johnny Donner Yeah, yeah, I'll try Well Right now I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to pass on a thought which incidentally concerns time According to the Bible To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven We all agree on that I'm sure and we'll also agree that the regulation of time also depends on the season For example Did it ever occur to you who decided to wear our four time zones in America should be exactly? Well back maybe 75 years ago There were about a hundred fifty different time zones which were set up according to the whim of the local inhabitants Most of the time was called Sun time and there could be 15 minutes difference between the clocks of two towns only ten miles apart So to get rid of the confusion the interstate Commerce Commission was established It divided the United States into four standard time zones so that railroads planes buses and the mail could run on schedule Of course if a city wants to go on daylight saving time during the summer That's a decision which is made locally the standard time remains the same everywhere else But setting the nation's clocks isn't the only job of the interstate Commerce Commission however It also makes rules and regulations for the various means of transportation which go from one state to another It sees that railroads truck line barges and boats operate safely Charge reasonable rates and give good dependable service It also protects trucks and bus drivers from working such long hours that they might fall asleep while they're driving The Commission also demands that trains engines and machines have safety and stop devices It is in itself a safety device to assure every one of us freedom from danger as we travel about our country Expense accounts submitted by special investigator Johnny dollar to home office universal bonding and indemnity company Hartford, Connecticut The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the Barton Baker matters Expense account item one 195 dollars and 80 cents plane fare and incidentals from Hartford to Los Angeles Arrived at international airport 11 the morning of the 26 and rented a car there An hour later. I was pulling into Newport a sea town not far down the coast At the police station I met Lieutenant Solomon and we discussed the case Frank met over and a boat chartering service Did you know him? Yeah, excuse me Open a window Sure, they've been hot the last couple of days like a cold drink or something now enough x Well, we got a report on the shots when we got there Frank was dead shot three times He had a gun been fired twice Obviously shot it out with somebody Suspects his partner Dave Geller on the boat with Charlie What makes you think Geller did it? No, I don't know for sure, but he's missing disappeared nothing else. No It's the only thing we've got to go on Any reason why Geller would kill matters none that we know. Oh, I know Davis was I did Frank They always seem to get along never heard of any argument, but you know how those things are Couple of guys get along fine for years and then some little things. Yeah. Yeah It might be a woman just a woman or some particular woman Frank has a wife And Geller. No, he's not married What's Mrs. Meadows like? Well, you gotta talk to her anyway, don't you? Yeah Then you can see for yourself I'd say she was a kind of might cause a lot of trouble under the right circumstances, but that's only a person with observation You might not think so at all Here's the address Well, thanks, Lieutenant I'll let you know do that Minutes later. I was pulling up to a pleasant little house to face the Bay Mrs. Meadows met me at the front door. I don't generally make snap judgments But at first sight I was inclined to go along with the lieutenant Mrs. Meadows was very attractive tan blonde and Could have been in mourning, but I doubted it even though her tight bathing suit was black I introduced myself and she showed me into the living room Thank you I've been getting some sun. Oh, I don't mind. I'd like to be living in a bathing suit during the summer Surprise the beaches and more crowded You're from the insurance company. That's right. I was sent out to investigate your husband's death I'll be glad to help anyway. I can I'd appreciate it How much was my husband insured for? Don't you know I have no idea. I knew he had insurance. I never knew how much 25,000 that much should buy you a lot of Sun When will I get it? Well in a case like this a murder has to be a complete investigation And it's generally considered proper to bury at the deceased before issuing a check By the way, when is the funeral? It was this morning at 8 o'clock. What did they do dump them off a surfboard? I don't think I like that into dollar. Oh I'm just being a little sadistic. I always get that way when I see someone so broken up Would it be better if I stayed in the house for a week and wore a black veil? Oh, no, no But a little emotion would seem more natural with help if I cried Help who mr. Dollar my husband's dead Anything I might do wouldn't bring him back If you don't approve, I'm afraid that's just too bad. What do you think killed your husband? I have no idea the police suspect his partner If it's possible, they've missed you. Can you think of any reason why Dave would kill your husband? They didn't get along too well Lieutenant Solomon says they got along just fine, and I see they didn't I think I know more about it than Lieutenant Solomon Okay, suppose you tell me why they didn't get along. They just didn't they disagreed a lot over anything specific Not particularly in the boat things in general. They'd known each other for years been partners for nearly 10 Friendships were thin sometimes before the left on the trip. They had an argument about what? Frank didn't tell me Just came home said he'd had a fight with Dave the next morning. They left Following morning when they returned the tenant Solomon called me and said Frank had been killed Where do they go down the coast after yell at him Who charted the boat no one they went alone Well, thank you, Mrs. Meadows She happened to hear from Dave Get in touch with the police will you those standing in the doorway in her black bathing suit? I drove to a motel on the bay and was shown to my room where I called the tenant Solomon. I Wanted to take a look at the boat Carlson's landing the J-pop Mrs. Meadows says her husband and Geller went fishing for yellow tail. Yeah, they catch any Didn't bring them back no fish on the boat Maybe they didn't really go fishing no not a one just a guess Trying to create a motive What do you think of Mrs. Meadows? Oh very attractive Not a good enough motive. I didn't say that I was just trying to come up with a better one If you do let me know after meeting Mrs. Meadows, it won't be easy You having her watch? Hey, where's a good place to eat you like seafood all by the ton The restaurant right next to your motel via marina steam clams are great the tenant You have just created a glut Expensive on item two six dollars and fifty cents for a seafood dinner While the bucket of clams digested I drove to Carlson's landing where I located the J-bell Meadows and Geller's trim little fishing boat a full moon was out over the Pacific and the J-bell rock gently with a motion of the tide The landing was deserted except for a big gray cat that scurried on to one of the other boats as I walked past I Stood looking at the J-bell for a minute Listening to the sounds of the ocean Then I climbed aboard The hatch leading below to the cabin was unlocked so I opened it went down the short ladder The moonlight sifted in to the starboard part hole But the rest of the cabin was in pitch darkness. I felt around for some kind of life. Stay right where you are Huh? Don't move. I got a gun Okay, I can see you you move a finger. I'll kill you. Okay. Okay. I'm not moving Well, what happens? Do we stay here all night? No Better take a look at you. I don't want to make a mistake here I think that's a good idea light switches right behind you to your left, but keep facing me just reach back Thought so you thought so what Baker sent you Baker, you're not a cop. I know the cops in town You must be Dave Geller. You know I'm Geller Look, my name is dollar. I'm an insurance investigator. Sure. I'll show you my credentials. Keep your hands at your side I'm telling you the truth. I worked for the universal bonding and indemnity your ex-partner was insured with it Turn around put your hands over your head look. I'm tell you look. I'm not kidding, mister Okay, now put them out in front and lean on the pole kid My wallets on the inside left code pocket Insurance investigators always carry guns. Well, most of them take them off when they go to bed. That's very funny I'm glad you like it You'll find the permit for the gun in the wallet and the wallet is still in my in Satisfied turn around to keep your hands up. Are you saw the identification? Okay, sir You're an insurance investigator still doesn't help me Just what kind of help were you expecting? None. I mean now I got to do something with you can't let you go back to the police and tell them you found me They'll marry you sooner or later. They want you for a murder. Yeah, I know Why did you kill him? I didn't What are you hiding for that's none of your business? All right. Now we're back to me What happened? We'll just have to stick around for a while Sure, hold it. What's the matter? Somebody's coming. Turn up that light quick. You just stay where you are and don't make a sound Probably the police It is you're gonna take me out of here. Yeah for a guy who's in a shot is Right outside the boat Listen, you can only say it once something happens to me get to Bernie's garage. Understand Bernie's garage Come aboard. What do I do with Bernie's garage? I don't know why I'm trusting you, but I gotta trust somebody tell Bernie I sent you asking for the tool kit The tool kit and I didn't kill Frank Look out. I'm going topside. He went up the ladder and out on deck holding his gun in front of them I thought about trying to stop him, but he moved too fast besides he had my gun stuck in his belt I was going up the ladder when the shooting started and being a practical man. I stopped halfway up and ducked After a moment, I looked up through the hatch And there standing in the moonlight was a tall thin man dressed in a white suit He was holding her gun Pointed right at my head. Well, good evening Who got killed your friend, Mr. Gila and now it looks like your turn, Mr. Dollar Johnny Dollar How do you do? My name is Baker Barton W Baker You know many great men have attained the highest office in our land the presidency of the United States Can you guess the name of this man? He was descended from an English family which landed in Plymouth in 1624 and was a native of Ohio In the late 1880s. He was a newspaper editor in that state and as senator in 1900 he opposed federal control of food and fuel As president he supported prohibition and backed the 19th amendment which gave women the voting privilege His administration also saw the establishment of the national budget system If you don't have his name by now, here's another clue During his presidency the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated. Who was it? Warren G. Harding 29th president of the United States His life is part of your American heritage And now with our star John Lund we bring you the second act of yours truly Johnny dollar The thin man in the white suit who called himself Baker came down the ladder into the cabin He flipped down the lights again and stood facing me a half smile twisted on his lips We said nothing After a moment another man appeared at the hatch and called down to the white suit What'll I do with him throwing in the ocean? Actually, I have no desire to kill mr. Geller, but you forced yourself And he offered his cooperation. He would be alive this minute He's in the water, but those shots are sure to bring somebody and we must expedite matters as quickly as possible Mr. Dollar, where is the tool kit? The tool kit will come mr. Dollar the shooting has forced me to a tight schedule I want to know what Geller did with the tool look. I don't know what you're talking about Hank. Yes now wait a minute As you can see mr. Dollar, I mean to have the information one way or another look yeah One moment Hank Mr. Dollar, I was prepared to offer the latency Geller $5,000 for the tool kit. I'll make you the same offer It's a good offer, but how can I give you something? I don't know anything about 10,000 I don't know anything about a tool kit. You've been with mr. Geller sure I can't believe you were discussing the weather hardly. I'm an insurance investigator I'm investigating Frank Meadows murder. Can you prove it certainly? I? All things wrong My wallet is in Geller's pocket and offline I think Geller sent for you and told you where he hid the tool kit Look, I found Geller hiding on the boat. He pulled a gun on me and I time is too short Hank and look I'm telling it Where is it? I don't know The tool kit mr. Dollar. I don't know anything about it Baker's handyman beat me until I was asleep Trying to make me give up the information Geller had passed on a few minutes before he was killed When I came to I could hear breakers I was lying on the beach looking up at the big moon and feeling my head drop as though it was stuck on the end of a drumstick I managed to sit up and look around I had no idea where I was but a long groove in the sand that stretched away for me Showed clearly that I've been dragged from the streets several hundred feet behind me. I stumbled to my feet and That's what I saw Walking along by the water headed my way her soft blonde hair blowing in the casual breeze She was barefoot and wearing white shorts and a terry cloth shirt. I guess it was a little cool for the black bathing suit She stopped when she saw me Hello Mr. Dollar you're bleeding. Yeah, that happens sometimes. What are you doing out here? I'm waking up. What are you doing? I'm just taking a walk, but you know your face is all bruised How far is your house down the beach about a mile? You think you could scare up some high time? Yeah, come on. Oh Still a little busy here put your arm around me Better Much I leaned on Mrs. Meadows while she stared me toward her house Her hair smelled clean and fresh with just a touch of perfume In the house, she found the iodine and touched up the sore spots. It's all hurt. Oh Sorry, I don't make it. It wasn't the world happened. You know a man named Baker Baker. Oh, no runs around with a handyman named Hank. Oh, never heard of him. I Found Dave Geller tonight. Where on the J bell on the J bell. Why would he go there? That's place to hide last place. The police would look Oh, no Hank did with Baker's blessings, but why? Well, I don't know I'm not sure When I found Geller, he was hiding on the J bell He pulled a gun on me And Baker and Hank showed up and it turned into a shooting match You know anything about some kind of a tool kit Tool kit? I know it sounds silly, but Geller got killed for it. I nearly took the same trip because of a tool Kid, I don't see what before Geller got killed. He told me to go to Bernie's garage That's on Maple Street. He told me to tell Bernie that he sent me and to ask for the tool kit I still don't understand what's so important about a tool kit I don't know what something is Your husband was probably killed for the same reason. What are you gonna do? Go over to Bernie's garage and take a look at this tool kit Do me a favor. Call the tenant Solomon and tell him where I've gone. Tell him to meet me there. All right. Oh I haven't got a car still down to landing. Excuse mine. I'll get you the key Thanks. I drove her car over to the garage on Maple Street parked it and got out The garage was open and the sign over the door read 24-hour service. I Went in and found a mechanic stretched out on a bench sound asleep Hey Hey Come on. Come on. Wake up Okay, okay. I'm up. No, I'm awake Yes, I'm really knocking it off Where can I find Bernie? Come on, they've got a company over that's all yeah, he said to pick up the tool kit Yeah, he did now. Where's the tool kit? I know Dave sent you Because I said he did Something so important about a tool kit. Hey, no Dave left us here. He said be sure don't give it to no one except him I can't just hand it over to you cause you tell me Dave sent you You better have game for me You never hard time talking with his mouth full of water Which means he was killed and dumped in the bay Now the tenant Solomon will be here in a few minutes. So we're out that tool kit That's right The tool kit, huh? Well, what's the matter? Your cop No, I'm not a cop and I'm sorry. I'm an insurance investigator I'm investigating two murders Frank Meadows and Dave Geller insurance investigators That's kind of like a coffee. Everything but the feet Get any identification. Oh look, are you gonna get that tool kid or do I have to okay? Okay? No, no, don't do it I'll get it out Looks like somebody that can work with you. Yeah, kind of I got it How come you're so interested in a bunch of tool you've seen them Boxes locked tight There is it's plain old talking. Yeah You got something I can bust this one We better wait for lieutenant Solomon if you ain't got a key. I get me that crowbar Okay If they wanted you just pick up the kid he should call He's dead remember You know who carried him my name Baker Here's your bar. Thanks Thank you You were there Oh, yeah I'd be fine. Yeah, this is the lead and look in I Couldn't have been more surprised There's there in the box was exactly what I didn't expect to find tools About 50 of them all sizes brand new All the tools were painted black But on the handle of a large wrench there was a small space that had been scraped down to the metal I picked the wrench up and look at it most closely Sit out of pocket knife and scrape some shavings in the metal. I Sit up and held the shavings under the lights And then I understood a whole lot of things The shavings were solid platinum We meet again It was Barton W. Baker complete with white suits gun and bodyguards He looked at the platinum wrench. I held in my hand Smiled and moved slowly across the room toward me Take the old man out to the garage hank and guard him until I'm finished with mr. Dollar. Yes Well, mr. Dollar you were lying to us I thought That's why you let me live so I'd need you here The tools of platinum of course, but you knew that Gellar just told me where to find him. I had no idea what they were well I'm afraid your curiosity will be short lived. I Kind of thought that was the way it was You killed Frank meadows because he discovered the secret of the tool Yes, if he had simply picked me up and landed me as he was paid to do I take it you're an alien mr. Baker correct Would I know your government mr. Baker unless you happen to be just dumb and blind now if you'll just proceed with me back to the garage One more question. Yes How did Dave gellar get hold of the kids he and meadows were offered a large sum of money for picking me up on the other side of The border aboard the boat gellar grew suspicious of the kids and knowing that I could not possibly notify the authorities of He forced me at gunpoint to go ashore and leave the kids with him Fortunately, I got to a phone and notified our operatives in Los Angeles They met the boat but it's off and killed meadows, but gellar escaped correct now mr. Dollar. I'm in a great hurry Well, I missed another shooting but so did Baker for that matter when Hank yelled Baker turned just enough to give me a chance to swing the Heavy platinum wrench I thought you'd never get here lieutenant. This is meadows calling said to get right over you know something I Think you owe her an apology. Okay, so she'll get an apology after you tell me who the guy on the floor is and who the guy was I had to kill in the garage Yeah Have a platinum wrench a what? Yeah, yeah Mr. Baker is going to have one very expensive headache On the way over to my motel I explained the event to Solomon who did little mumbling and shaking himself Then after a fresh shower and a change of clothes. I went over to mrs. Meadows and expressed my most heartfelt thanks Expensive count item three one hundred seventy six dollars and eighty five cents Motel bill and expenses for the next two days while I hung around Newport resting up I saw mrs. Meadows a few times before I left, but Some reason I didn't get much of a pan Expensive count items five and six two hundred and twenty five dollars car rental plane fare and incidentals back to Hartford That's the count total 604 dollars and 15 cents. Oh Yes Barton Baker comes up for trial on illegal entry smuggling and pre-counts of espionage I hope he enjoys his stay in the USA You truly Johnny dollars